Pages

July 25, 2007

Dogfighting and Christian Morality

Debunking Christianity asks whether Christians find Michael Vick's dogfighting morally reprehensible. The assumption is that Christians will say "of course," opening the door to some version of the problem of evil. However difficult it may be to consider that this assumption might be wrong, there is some evidence that it may be exactly that.As reported on ChristianNewswire, Dr. Alveda King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Pastoral Associate of Priests for Life, views animal cruelty as little more than an opportunity to oppose a woman's right to a certain medical procedure. Evidently, Dr. King believes that the real significance of the Vick case is that it highlights "the disparity in societal protections for animals and unborn humans."

"The appalling cruelty to dogs described in the complaint against Michael Vick immediately reminds me of another kind of cruelty that is not only not punished, but is protected by our authorities," said Dr. King. "I'm talking about the incredible cruelty suffered by babies who are stabbed, have limb torn from limb, or have their skulls crushed in the womb by abortionists. The pain these children endure is undoubtedly excruciating, yet we close our eyes and look the other way in the name of 'choice.'"

Humane treatment for animals appears to be something as an afterthought to Dr. King. While she pays lip service to it, she cannot help asking, "but shouldn't we also humanely treat humans?" Funny, but I didn't realize that was in any way relevant here.